Humanin is a neuroprotective peptide.1 It completely blocks amyloid-β (1-42) (Aβ42) and Aβ43-induced cell death of primary cortical neurons when used at a concentration of 10 μM. Humanin also prevents amyloid precursor protein (APP) antibody-induced cell death and reduces neurotoxicity in FH11 cells induced by the APP mutants A617G-APP, L648P-APP, V642I-APP, and NL-APP, which are associated with familial Alzheimer's disease (IC50s = 0.1-1 μM). In vivo, humanin (0.375 mg/kg per hour) increases systemic insulin sensitivity and enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle of rats.2
1.Hashimoto, Y., Niikura, T., Ito, Y., et al.Detailed characterization of neuroprotection by a rescue factor humanin against various Alzheimer's disease-relevant insultsJ. Neurosci.21(23)9235-9245(2001) 2.Muzumdar, R.H., Huffman, D.M., Atzmon, G., et al.Humanin: A novel central regulator of peripheral insulin actionPLoS One4(7)e6334(2009)